What Conference Is Ohio State Football In? Big Ten Explained

By Sarah Miller · August 22, 2037

Ohio State football competes in the Big Ten Conference, one of the oldest and most prestigious collegiate athletic conferences in the United States. As a founding member, Ohio State has been part of the Big Ten since 1912 and is consistently among the top programs in the conference in terms of performance, fan support, and national championships.

Overview of Ohio State Football's Conference Affiliation

The Ohio State Buckeyes football team represents The Ohio State University in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition. Since joining in 1912, the program has established itself as a powerhouse within the Big Ten Conference. This affiliation governs all aspects of regular-season scheduling, championship eligibility, and postseason access for the team.

Key Facts About the Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten is the oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference in the U.S., founded in 1896.
As of 2025, the conference includes 18 member institutions.
Football is the flagship sport, with the Big Ten Championship Game held annually since 2011.
The conference has a major media rights deal with CBS, FOX, and NBC through 2030.
Ohio State and Michigan are two of the winningest programs in college football history.

Ohio State's Role in the Big Ten

Ohio State is not only a key competitor but also a driving force behind the Big Ten's national prominence in college football. The Buckeyes have won multiple Big Ten titles and national championships while representing the conference on the biggest stages.

Historical Significance

Since becoming a full member over a century ago, Ohio State has helped shape the identity of the Big Ten. Their rivalry games—especially against Michigan—are central to the conference’s tradition and viewership ratings.

Recent Performance in the Big Ten

In recent years, Ohio State has remained a dominant force. They frequently win or contend for the East Division title and regularly appear in the College Football Playoff.

Season	Big Ten Record	Overall Record	Big Ten Standing	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
2023	8–1	11–2	1st (East)	CFP Semifinal (loss)	#4
2022	8–1	11–2	1st (East)	NY6 Bowl (win)	#4
2021	8–1	10–2	2nd (East)	NY6 Bowl (win)	#6
2020	5–0	7–2	1st (East)	National Runner-up	#2
2019	9–0	13–1	1st (East)	CFP Runner-up	#2

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows Ohio State's consistent excellence within the Big Ten from 2019 to 2023. They maintained an average conference record of 7.8–0.6 and finished either first or second in their division every year. Their dominance in the East Division underscores their status as a perennial contender for both the Big Ten and national titles.

Big Ten Structure and Ohio State's Division

From 2011 to 2023, the Big Ten was divided into two divisions: East and West. Ohio State competed in the East Division alongside teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State. However, starting in the 2024 season, the Big Ten eliminated divisions following expansion to 18 schools.

New Format Starting in 2024

The top two teams in the conference standings will meet in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Conference opponents are determined by a rotating schedule model combined with protected rivalries.
Ohio State retains protected matchups against Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Maryland.

Future Outlook and Expansion Impact

With the addition of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington in 2024, the Big Ten now spans coast-to-coast. Despite geographic changes, Ohio State remains a central figure in the conference's strategic and competitive planning.

This realignment increases national exposure and intensifies competition, especially with new high-profile matchups scheduled. Ohio State's brand strength and recruiting power position them well to remain elite under the new structure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State Football and the Big Ten

What conference does Ohio State football play in?

Ohio State football plays in the Big Ten Conference, which it has been a member of since 1912. The team competes at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is one of the conference's most successful programs.

Has Ohio State always been in the Big Ten?

Yes, Ohio State joined the Big Ten (then called the Western Conference) in 1912 and has remained a continuous member ever since. It is one of the longest-tenured schools in the conference.

How many Big Ten championships has Ohio State won?

As of 2023, Ohio State has won 40 outright or shared Big Ten football championships, the most in conference history. Their most recent title came in the 2023 season.

Who are Ohio State's main rivals in the Big Ten?

The primary rival is the University of Michigan, known for the “Michigan–Ohio State” rivalry—one of the most intense in college sports. Other key rivals include Penn State, Michigan State, and Iowa.

Does the Big Ten have a championship game?

Yes, the Big Ten Championship Game has been held annually since 2011. Starting in 2024, the game features the top two teams in the conference standings regardless of division. Ohio State has appeared in the game multiple times, winning several championships.